Leaderboard

Wednesday was the official first day of the Convention, but not a whole lot was scheduled. I woke early, took about 3 1/2 hours to get ready (which was record time for me at that point), and went down to the lobby to see what was going on. Some people were just arriving, most were in their male persona, unpacking their luggage from their cars, all with an exuberant look in their faces and an excited attitude in their strides seeming so happy to finally be here. I went to the restaurant in the Hotel by 10am ( had complementary breakfast coupons) and I have to say it was excellent in every aspect. Simple, but very good on the quality scale and having been catering for 30+ years, I know. There weren't a whole lot of people having breakfast; some were obviously there for the convention, some were not. I sat myself at a table proximity of another woman, a little younger than me. My guess cis. We exchanged smiles and then she said to me that when she first saw me she thought that I was the actress from some show called " Mom and Me". Then she kept looking thinking, no way. She said the mom, not the daughter and chuckled. I said I hadn't seen it but I'm sure I should be flattered, thank you. She was just checking out and we wished each other to have a good day. (Okay, another boost for the confidence just starting out this week even though she probably just forgot to put her contacts in that morning). 💇‍♀️ Finished up and went back out, and more people were arriving. Met a few who were already settled in; many were part of the organizing staff, and one in particular I met was Cheryl. I would come to realize her to be one of the most awesome, genuine people I have ever met in my lifetime; the type of person that when you grow up, you want to be just like? Turned out she was the Head Organizer, and my first impression was right on; she made me feel like she knew me my whole life. By the end of the Convention, it became apparent we have all known each other our whole lives; most of us just haven't met yet.😍 Afterwards got my registration packet, and checked out the venders room, but they were just setting up still, so there wasn't much to do. Hung out on and off as more people arrived and began slowly introducing myself and meeting others. Went out for a drive to learn the area, found my Starbucks, not really a fan of the coffee but like the atmosphere., and went to the supermarket to stock my room mini refrigerator. About 30 -40 minutes in the supermarket; taking my time. One girl came up to me as I was opening a cooler door and said "I just love your nails" Haha. At the checkout, gentleman bagger about my age asked "ma'am would you like your milk in a bag? Double haha! I was sure from then on this was gonna be a good week and it was! ☺️ Later that evening, went to the lounge, sat at the bar and ordered a bottle water, and met and talked to another dozen or so fantastic people, went to bed early.

I've always needed some questions answered as a matter of fact, not a matter of hope, wishful thinking or dreaming and be sure I was comfortable with those answers. What truly would it mean to me to be Jessica, socialize as Jessica, think as Jessica, look as Jessica, go out around town only as Jessica, work as Jessica; how would it feel to not be able to go back; might I regret it or would I embrace it and continue wishing I had the courage to transition long ago?? I heard about Transgender Conferences shortly after joining TG Guide when another member shared with me her experiences attending her first conference. I decided I had to know and booked the next conference remotely in my area that I could find some 4 months in advance, The First Event just outside Boston. I booked a room at the conference hotel from the night before it began through the morning after it ended (6 days) and registered for the Event in it's entirety. My goal was simple but for me it would serve to be a big test, one that would answer most if not all of doubts I had come to worry about thus far in my transition. I had originally intended to check in as my former self a day early and emerge the next day as Jessica, but as things evolved I couldn't. You see I got a taste of going public a few days before (attending church, and starting to get the courage to run in and out coffee shops, going window shopping in a downtown area not too far away. I didn't think I looked to bad, but obviously up close I knew I would be made and then a sweet clerk in one of the coffee shops said she liked my ring. SHE DIDN"T CARE!!!! Why do I??? That changed my attitude. Went to a new church the next morning. not for the church but to get out again in a "safe place"? Met a dozen people and THEY Didn't CARE!!!! Again, why do I???? Stayed through the service AND another hour for Fellowship coffee afterwards and JESSICA actually talked with real human beings and made some friends that only know me as Jessica, no one else.💇‍♀️ So Monday, I finished packing and loaded most of my bags in the car. Still Jessica. I don't know if any of the neighbors saw me but if they did, I DON'T CARE, WHY SHOULD THEY!!! Tuesday... Off to Boston... on the way stopped for coffee and gas and had to stop for a rest room twice, used the ladies room both times. Don't know what the laws are; I DON'T CARE! if I used a men's room as Jessica, now that would have been weird!!! Crossed path's with a woman in one ladies room and SHE DIDN'T CARE, even said Hello. We commented on the weather, another stinking snowstorm but I wasn't gonna let it stop me today😍. Got to the Hotel about 6pm, after getting my bags up (I way overpacked) I went to the local supermarket for some food and Starbucks for coffee. Hadn't met or seen anyone that might be connected to the conference yet; hoped to though, so went back to the room and unpacked what I could. Good Night☺️